Prediction: Monaco vs Manchester City



Verdict: Monaco Draw no bet

Best Odds: 19/20

Bookmaker: William Hill

Having twice had the lead in the first leg, it is fair to say that Monaco have missed their opportunity to grab the tie by the scruff of neck, but don’t think for a second they will not give their best to try and overturn a two-goal deficit. Man City continued with strong performances after the highly entertaining clash at Etihad, and they will fancy their chances of progressing to the next stage.

Monaco

Even if many are underestimating the quality of Ligue 1 football, Monaco have got to be congratulated for some outstanding performances in the league campaign, while their Champions League showings are a perfect proof the team are good enough to mix it up with the best of them in Europe. The Principality club impressed to win the first place in their group ahead of Bayer Leverkusen, Spurs and CSKA, before producing an excellent performance during the first 70 minutes of the clash at Etihad. However, they were ultimately punished for the missed penalty and had to settle for a 5-3 loss after conceding three goals in the final twenty minutes, so it is clear they face an uphill task in the return match. The good news is that Monaco definitely have the potential to score three goals or more on Wednesday evening, especially since the Man City back line has been far leaking goals for fun this season. The Principality club have been averaging almost three goals per game this term, although the problem is that star striker Radamel Falcao may not be at 100% going into the all-important clash.

Team News

The Colombian has suffered a hip injury at the weekend, but he is nonetheless expected to start alongside red-hot Kylian Mbappe Lottin.

Key defender Kamil Glik is suspended, whereas Guido Carrillo and Gabriel Boschilia both miss out through injury.



Manchester City

This has proved to be a very difficult season for Pep Guardiola and his side, but it would appear as though the Citizens have overcome their problems and are now back to the right track. Man City have been unbeaten in almost two months, winning eight of their last ten matches in all competitions and it is clear the confidence is back at Etihad Stadium. The manager is probably the happiest about the latest improvement at the back with City having kept three clean sheets in a row, although having seen how their struggled against pacey Monaco attack, we seriously doubt they can make it four in a row. Man City produced a great comeback in the first leg, twice coming from a goal down to record a 5-3 triumph and they are widely expected to adopt a positive approach at Stade Louis II in spite of the two-goal lead. The Citizens haven’t exactly impressed on recent European travels, winning just two of last eight games, but while they were hammered 4-0 by Barca, 1-0 losses to Juventus and Real Madrid can give them confidence heading into the Monaco game.

Team News

There have been no fresh selection worries for Pep Guardiola, but Gabriel Jesus, Vincent Kompany and Ilkay Gundogan remain in the infirmary.

Key Factors to Consider

• Monaco won 15 of last 16 home games (L1)
• Ten of those wins were achieved by a margin of 2 goals or greater
• Eight Monaco players have scored 6 goals or more this season
• Man City kept three clean sheets in a row
• The Citizens didn’t concede in six consecutive away games

Conclusion

Monaco have been thoroughly impressive this season, especially on home soil and we are backing them to emerge victorious on Wednesday night. Whether that will prove enough for a place in the quarter-finals remains to be seen, but we expect them to keep the tie alive for as long as possible.

Verdict: Monaco Draw no bet

Best Odds: 19/20

Bookmaker: William Hill